Postcards from Anthro: A Summer Adventure Guide

May 19, 2018

“I haven’t been everywhere,” said the late writer and filmmaker Susan Sontag. “But it’s on my list.”

We’re right there with her – especially this time of year. Summer, after all, has a way of awakening wanderlust. As the days grow longer and the skies bluer, we find ourselves asking, “Where to?” Followed, of course, by “How soon?” and “Where next?”

We’ve always found that the best adventures start with a good tour guide – and luckily, our globetrotting friends have plenty of recommendations. Here, some of our favorite travel influencers share their top tips for three cities that do summer proud: Lisbon, Los Angeles, and Jaipur.

JAIPUR
India’s famed “Pink City” is at the top of our itinerary for a reason. In addition to its colorful architecture and iconic palaces, Jaipur is an international shopping destination, renowned for its textiles, jewels, and crafts. Style blogger Stephanie Hill – also known to her readers as @thestylebungalow – just returned from a tour of the Rajasthan region. “Now I understand why people say you have to experience India for yourself,” she says. “The beauty and culture are unreal.”

Where to dine: Located in the stunning Narain Niwas Palace Hotel, Bar Palladio is what Instagram dreams are made of. Inside, the blue-and-white salon boasts hand-painted murals, vaulted ceilings, and miles of marble. Outside, resident flamingos mingle their way through happy hour as regulars sip al fresco negronis. Fancy a bite? The adjoining Caffe Palladio serves up a menu of Mediterranean fare.

Where to visit: Constructed from blush sandstone, Hawa Mahal palace calls to mind a honeybee hive with its 953 ornate, teeny-tiny windows. The unique design once allowed royal women to observe street festivals in private, but today it’s a popular tourist attraction. For the best photo ops, head across the street to a rooftop café, and consider visiting in the early morning – sunrise and sandstone make for quite the glow.

LOS ANGELES
When Shannon Pulsifer (aka @itsybitsyindulgences) offered to show us around her home turf in Los Angeles, we gladly took her up. The stylish blogger balances her fondness for healthy SoCal living with a side of beachside champagne, making her our kind of travel buddy.

Where to dine: “Beautiful décor, creative libations, and delicious food – you can’t ask for much else,” says Shannon of Gracias Madre. The West Hollywood vegan restaurant serves up an organic, plant-based interpretation of modern Mexican fare along with hundreds of mezcals, classic cocktails, and an impressive margarita menu. Cheers to balance.

Where to hike: An avid runner, Shannon knows her way around LA’s trails. One of her favorite spots to escape the city? Griffith Park, an urban oasis in the Santa Monica mountains. For an up-close view of the Hollywood sign, plan a sunset hike to the Griffith Observatory.

LISBON
If you’ve got a thing for summer in the city, set your sights on Lisbon. Portugal’s coastal capital has it all: beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, world-class museums, and pastel de nata (imagine the best pastry you’ve ever had – now imagine it better). Janelle Lloyd – the New York-based fashion blogger behind@waityouneedthis – was kind enough to share her favorite ways to spend a sunny day across the pond in Lisbon.

Where to explore: One of the oldest districts in Lisbon, Alfama is a charming hillside labyrinth of cobblestone streets, historic cathedrals, and hidden-gem cafes. The village is conveniently located along the famous Tram 28’s winding route, making for an easy daytrip.

Where to cruise: To experience Lisbon from another angle, book a sunset sail along the Tagus River. There’s no better way to see Belém Tower, Christ the King monument, and Jerónimos Monastery than from the water, dipped in dusk.